Do you want to leave your parents' house to have your independence? Did you go to college in another city, and now you have to leave home to study? One way to solve this and not spend a lot is to rent and share an apartment with someone. Often, passing a university means having to “leave the nest” and live on your own. This happens due to several factors, sometimes due to the location of the campus (being in another city or another state), or wanting to have one's own independence.
Republics and student housing are very popular options for students in these cases. Others, more reserved, prefer to rent an apartment and live with fewer people. However, with all the costs that running a home entails, such as rent and bills, and including emergency expenses, living alone can be very expensive for someone who has just moved out of their parents' home. Therefore, it is common that share apartment whether the choice is made, rather than shouldering everything individually.
It is very important to remember that each person has their own habits, and that they will not always be compatible with those of other people, especially those chosen to share an apartment. Going beyond habits, sharing an apartment requires a lot of responsibility, always doing day-to-day tasks and keeping not only the house organized, but also a good relationship with the other residents, avoiding arguments.
When looking for someone to share an apartment with, always remember to think beyond your relationship. Your best friend can be a really nice person, but is he responsible enough to run a house with you?
See here everything you need to know about apartment sharing!
What are the benefits of sharing an apartment?
Sharing an apartment is something that always appears in media products such as movies, series and books. Check out some advantages of sharing an apartment!
Expenses
Living alone involves a lot of expenses, and sometimes they can be very high. Sharing an apartment means that expenses such as rent, energy, water, food and internet are shared by the number of people living in the residence.
Company
As much as you may have left your parents' house because you wanted more independence, it's important to remember that we are sociable beings. We need socializing with other people, especially for the sake of our mental health.
division of household chores
Another reason for sharing an apartment is the division of tasks between the residents of the residence. By listing the weekly tasks and dividing them, you make the organization of the house easier and more effective, without overloading anyone.
Divide the tasks into a schedule and leave it exposed, so that everyone can check and remember their household responsibilities, so there are no misunderstandings or fights about responsibilities.
9 tips for living together when sharing an apartment
Check out some tips so that, when sharing an apartment, you have the best possible coexistence.
Set rules among residents
The first thing to do when you decide to share an apartment is to have well-established rules among the residents. Ideally, they should talk to each other, and discuss their habits and expectations. That way, it's easier to avoid arguments between everyone.
control expenses
One of the reasons that lead a student to share an apartment is the little money to invest. But sharing an apartment with other people requires you to have good control of your finances. It is important that everyone does their part when it comes to bill payments in order to avoid future complications.
organize personal spaces
Something crucial for a good coexistence when sharing an apartment is the mutual respect for personal spaces. Although there are common circulation areas, such as the living room and kitchen, the rooms must be respected as a personal space, in addition to never entering a room, other than yours, without authorization.
Have organization
When sharing an apartment and organizing the schedule, know that it goes for you too. Wash what gets dirty, don't leave personal items lying around the house (they should stay outside public areas, and inside your room) and create the habit of cleaning after using something or leaving an environment.
Separate the food
Often, food is one of the main causes of disagreements when sharing an apartment. To avoid problems, establish shelves or drawers for each person, separating common foods (such as rice) and those for personal use (such as sweets). If you take any food that is not yours, ask the owner's permission and replace it later.
establish the visits
Visits are something common in our daily lives, but it is always necessary to notify the other people who live with you, in order to avoid uncomfortable situations, after all, when sharing an apartment, people visit your house and that of others.
Use of common areas
You must have common sense and always respect the common areas. Do not try to dominate or monopolize spaces, in a way that prevents other residents from enjoying the environment. Always keep these spaces in order, leaving them the way you found them.
Create cleaning arrangements
As mentioned before, list the household chores and make a schedule, dividing them equally among the residents. Always respect the schedule and fulfill your responsibilities.
Separate the goods
When it comes time to set up and decorate the apartment, divide up which items each person should buy. This method means that no one is burdened with expenses and will also help in the division of goods, when each one goes to live alone and stops sharing an apartment.